<a href="http://inhabitat.com/porsche-918-rsr-hybrid-supercar-unveiled-at-detroit-auto-show/">Hybrid racing cars</a> aren't the only vehicles grabbing all the press snaps at this year's Detroit Auto Show. <a href="http://www.vw.com/en.html">Volkswagen's</a> Golf blue-e-motion, is breathing eco-friendly and <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/energy">energy-efficient</a> technology from a small body that definitely boasts an appeal that speaks to the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/chevy-volt-named-north-american-car-of-the-year/">everyday automotive</a> consumer. As the electric version of Europe's most popular selling car, the VW Golf, this petrol-free iteration features an electric motor mounted under the front bonnet producing 85 kW/115 PS and a maximum torque of 270 Nm, a continuous power output of 50 kW/69 PS, a top speed of 84mph, and 0 to 60/mph will clock in at 11.8 seconds. Moreover, the lithium-ion battery provides 26.5 kilowatt-hours, giving way to a driving range of 93 miles, and growing - the company estimates by the time the model makes it to production, the car's range rating will be even higher.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

Set for release by 2014, VW will equip the Golf blue-e-motion with an instrument panel, featuring a kW gauge replacing the traditional tachometer, that will engage the driver in keeping the kilowatt reading as low as possible and maximize the range of the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/automotive">vehicle</a>.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

The car will also boast selectable regenerative braking - meaning there will be four levels, from "sailing" to heavy-duty regeneration that can be managed with shifter paddles on the steering wheel.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

With the lowest setting D allowing the car to "sail" normally once the driver's foot comes off the accelerator, while the highest level, D3, slows the vehicle down and recovers as much energy as possible.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

The Golf blue-e-motion will also offer three different driving options, including Normal, Comfort+ and Range+.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

If you're not looking for fancy bells and whistles, the VW's Golf blue-e-motion could be the affordable, alternative energy vehicle you've been looking for. Come 2014, of course.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

The back of the Volkswagon blue-e-motion.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

The blue-e-motion's headlights seen from up close.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

A look inside the roomy trunk.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

The blue-e-motion still has all of the sporty looks of the Golf, but with a much greener footprint.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

A look inside the blue-e-motion's cabin.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

The blue-e-motion's rather stylish tires.

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

Set for release by 2014, VW will equip the Golf blue-e-motion with an instrument panel, featuring a kW gauge replacing the traditional tachometer, that will engage the driver in keeping the kilowatt reading as low as possible and maximize the range of the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/automotive">vehicle</a>. The car will also boast selectable regenerative braking - meaning there will be four levels, from "sailing" to heavy-duty regeneration that can be managed with shifter paddles on the steering wheel. With the lowest setting D allowing the car to "sail" normally once the driver's foot comes off the accelerator, while the highest level, D3, slows the vehicle down and recovers as much energy as possible....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/volkswagens-golf-blue-e-motion-on-display-at-detroit-auto-show-2011/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

13

Volkswagon Golf Electric

Set for release by 2014, VW will equip the Golf blue-e-motion with an instrument panel, featuring a kW gauge replacing the traditional tachometer, that will engage the driver in keeping the kilowatt reading as low as possible and maximize the range of the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/automotive">vehicle</a>. The car will also boast selectable regenerative braking - meaning there will be four levels, from "sailing" to heavy-duty regeneration that can be managed with shifter paddles on the steering wheel. With the lowest setting D allowing the car to "sail" normally once the driver's foot comes off the accelerator, while the highest level, D3, slows the vehicle down and recovers as much energy as possible....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/volkswagens-golf-blue-e-motion-on-display-at-detroit-auto-show-2011/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Volkswagon Golf Electric

Hybrid racing cars aren't the only vehicles grabbing all the press snaps at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Volkswagen's Golf blue-e-motion, is breathing eco-friendly and energy-efficient technology from a small body that definitely boasts an appeal that speaks to the everyday automotive consumer. As the electric version of Europe's most popular selling car, the VW Golf, this petrol-free iteration features an electric motor mounted under the front bonnet producing 85 kW/115 PS and a maximum torque of 270 Nm, a continuous power output of 50 kW/69 PS, a top speed of 84mph, and 0 to 60/mph will clock in at 11.8 seconds. Moreover, the lithium-ion battery provides 26.5 kilowatt-hours, giving way to a driving range of 93 miles, and growing - the company estimates by the time the model makes it to production, the car's range rating will be even higher.